Cowell is reportedly considering standing down from his post on 'Idol' after next season and switching his focus to bringing the hugely successful British show 'X Factor' to the USA. Ironically, the report states that Cowell is in talks with FOX to be the home of 'Factor,' meaning he would remain on the same network as 'Idol.'

He is said to have told Fox Entertainment's Peter Rice about his thoughts on leaving 'Idol' at meeting in London six weeks ago. Officials from FOX and 'Idol' yesterday refused to comment.

Cowell has been the star of 'Idol' for its entire eight-year run and made $36 million last year alone. His salary for season nine is reportedly about $45 million.

Without his influence and star power, it's unclear if 'Idol' can maintain its spot as the most popular show on television. It would also end his long and fruitful relationship with Simon Fuller.

According to the Times, Cowell is doggedly determined to make 'X-Factor' a hit in America. Unlike 'Idol,' judges on the show not only pick the singers but also coach them to stardom.

"It has to go to America. There has to be an American version of the show," he has said. "To not take 'The X Factor' to the biggest market in the world would be crazy."

For his work on 'American Idol,' Simon Cowell gets one of the biggest paychecks in the biz ($45 million/year). That's 1.6 Angelina Jolies! ... financially speaking, of course. See How He Stacks Up Against Other Superstars >>

please no simon and no paula what a boring show why the picked ellen degenerate for a judge is beyond me she is not sexy she knows no music and she is just not right for the show please simon your the only reason why people love your show dont go

Simon is great on that show. My question is why do stars and sports player make so much money? Unbelievable....That show won't be the same without him. But he needs more money so he has to move on...Enjoy

X Factor is by far a more entertaining show than American Idol. I just hope he brings Cheryl with him to be a judge. X factor would be a much bigger success than Idol. If i=I were Simon I would go for it.

First of all I don't like the name Idol. It should be named America's best singer. Next, I don't like Cowell's deliberate attempts to inject homosexuality into the shows he is involved in. Fortunately, decent Americans voted him down.

No, Idol would not be as good without Simon. The show has lost its luster and now with Paula gone... I am afraid it is really losing it's appeal. The winner of the last 2 or 3 seasons have also been mediocre.